I'm telling you this is the way to go for building your own cyclocross bicycle! If you are not a pro, you don't need the pro stuff right now. Plus, you are going to get it muddy and beat it anyway right? Buy a cheap hybrid bicycle that doesn't weigh too much, preferably in a size a hair small for you with the mountain style bars, then convert over to a road bike with new bars. Your local bike shop may have inexpensive options from Inline or other generic brands, and maybe a stash of old and pull-off (when customers upgrade at purchase) parts like old brakes, shifters, derailleurs.

Note the capacity for knobbie 700c tires that are much wider than standard road bikes allow for. The bike already has 135mm dropout width, a good cheap derailleur set, a 34tooth rear bailout gear, and a triple crank!

Anybody who actually needs studded tires, and who actually rides somewhere enough to buy them commercially at $40/tire, might be happy to have this info. Your local hardware store might know what other screws would work better. I've also seen some people put sheet metal screws through the inside of the tire and turn locknuts onto the screws after they have passed through the tire. I bet it doesn't take large metal pieces to be useful on icy roads.

I have NOT tried these because I don't live anywhere to need them, but they look neat. Remember that an injury from a fall or a crashed bike might cost you a lot, so choose your tires according to riding ability, speed, and terrain needs.

2 out of 3 people found the following review helpful: 5 starsNot your normal Department store bike April 27, 2008 Reviewer: nddillon (The KY) See all my reviews >

This is definately not your normal department store bike, this bike has an absurd amount of quality components. This is by far the best bang for your buck. Although I would recommend taking to your LBS (Local Bike Shop) and having them reassemble much of the drive train. Whoever puts these together is high! That will set you back about another $45. Better pedals, bar ends, odometer and you have a $800 bike for barely over $400.

Ya'll know me, I ride cheap stuff too, and don't mind, but this is a good story. I'll have to go look at these in the store. I still love my rim brakes and will ride them forever if I can, because I really don't like cable disc brakes. I think they are pointless. Full hydraulic or nothing, for me. The reviews are high though, for the Hayes and Avid mechanical. Even some people swear by the Promax walmart disc brakes, but I thought they sucked horribly. I tried them on several bikes riding around in the store and riding the brakes in the granny combo. WEAK.

Human powered bird plane (ornithopter) first of its kind recorded actually flying. Leonardo Davinci drew something much like it but didn't have the materials to make it. This is cool looking! Fast forward near the end and watch, then back up if you want to see the production, or visit their website.

Thank you, Southern Courtesy, for the invitation to join this interesting forum.

I've been touring country roads, city streets, and rough-riding back lots on 'b-cycles' since my dad bought a 20" Schwinn Typhoon for me when I was a brat, er, child. My second bike was a Schwinn Deluxe Stingray with a slick rear tire, and chrome fenders. My third was a hand-me-down 26" middle-weight 3 speed touring bike that my older brother gave to me. I later purchased a similar bike new, and road it for both pleasure and business until it literally wore out... Yes, when the frame and handlebars crystallize and snap, it's time to say goodbye to your old friend.

Eight years ago, I purchased a 26" Huffy 'combination' bike from K-Fart for $130.00. I soon discovered that aside from the handlebars, frame, and front sprocket that everything else had to be upgraded with quality aftermarket components by me, and a qualified bike mechanic for an additional $320.00. Now, I have a dependable bike to cruise around on again.

You really got taken for a ride but bikes are personal, so I am happy you have found a road worthy machine, even if you have taken the long way about it. Hopefully by inviting other people to this thread, we can save white comrades the hassles of bike shop snobbery and the anger from buyer's remorse.

What component or parts did you actually wear out or feel needed upgrading?

Besides tires, cables, and maybe a chain, most people never wear out a $100-200 bike.

Indiana has a majorly humid and rainy climate, correct? Every time I've ever been through there, I got days of Oregon Sunshine. lol.

You can't perfectly preserve a bicycle, but you may find that spraying machine oil or lubricant sprays inside the frame and handlebars will prevent rust. Do not!!! use wd40 for a chain lube or bearing lube. It removes grease! It can be useful for cleaning carburetors on motor bicycles or for cleaning up the frame with a rag. I use silicon/oil spray on my bike cables, frame, derailleur joints, inside the frame and bars, on hats, bike pannier bags, shoes, and zippers. I love this stuff. It helps waterproof and prevent rust.